The imperial cause at the end of the Han Dynasty was not one of partial peace.

Chapter 77 Mi Zizhong: One hundred million coins! The one who will destroy the Han Dynasty is Liu Bei!

Upon hearing Zang Ba's words, Liu Bei's face lit up with joy.

As his civil and military officials increased in number and talent abounded, he increasingly felt like a ruler and his ministers in the style of the Han Dynasty.

His ministers, who recommended virtuous and capable individuals, displayed a wealth of talent and strategies, which enabled them to easily resolve various predicaments.

So Liu Bei asked with delight, "Whom did Xuan Gao recommend? Tell me quickly."

Zang Ba clasped his hands and said, "This man's surname is Mi, given name is Zhu, courtesy name Zizhong. He is from Qu County in Donghai and is the richest man in Xuzhou. His ancestors were merchants for generations, with ten thousand servants and a fortune of hundreds of millions."

"Although Mi Zhu is a merchant, he has always been chivalrous and travels between Qing, Xu, and Yu prefectures, and he is associated with many heroes. If Your Excellency can entrust this batch of precious artifacts to him, you will surely be able to sell them for a high price, which can be used to make money and replenish the treasury."

Liu Bei was overjoyed and rose from the table, leaning on the table.

Mi Zhu, Mi Zi Zhong!

He was naturally familiar with it.

Historically, he was one of the key figures in welcoming Liu Bei into Xuzhou!

After Lü Bu's surprise attack on Xuzhou, when Liu Bei was in the most dire straits, he offered his sister as his wife and provided two thousand slaves, gold, silver and other currency to aid the army!

It can be said that without Mi Zhu, Liu Bei would have had a very difficult time making a comeback.

Liu Bei had long been thinking about this wealthy merchant from Xuzhou, who was known for his chivalrous spirit!

However, since the two sides had no prior interaction, this sudden visit was not only abrupt but also likely to arouse Mi Zhu's suspicion.

Now that Zang Ba has been appointed as prime minister, everything is naturally justified.

Mi Zhu was from the East Sea. Zang Ba had previously sought refuge in the East Sea, gathering a group of people for self-protection. Given his modus operandi, this so-called "gathering of people for self-protection" undoubtedly meant that he had assembled a band of bandits to plunder everywhere.

As a merchant, Mi Zhu naturally had some connections with Zang Ba.

Moreover, the reason for their friendship was probably that Mi Zhu helped Zang Ba deal with the gold and silver artifacts he had seized, which is why Zang Ba recommended Mi Zhu immediately.

Now that he could meet this old friend from Shu Han again, Liu Bei said excitedly, "In that case, I will personally write a letter. Please trouble Xuan Gao to take my letter to the East Sea and invite Mi Zizhong to Mount Tai for a chat."

Zang Ba clasped his hands in agreement and immediately led several of his close followers on horseback southwards.

Donghai Commandery and Taishan Commandery are separated only by a narrow strip of water. Once you cross the border of Nancheng County, you enter the territory of Donghai.

Zang Ba had rescued his father from a strategic pass in the western mountains of Fei County and fled all the way here, where he gathered a group of people to protect himself.

He knew the area's mountains and roads like the back of his hand and traveled there with ease, arriving in Xiong County in just a few days.

In the past six months, Mi Zhu had already heard from merchants traveling between Qing and Xu about Liu Bei's various benevolent policies after he took control of Mount Tai, such as attracting refugees, settling surrendered bandits, providing relief to orphans and widows, promoting agriculture and sericulture, building water conservancy projects, and recruiting famous scholars. Every single one of these policies was a good deed that benefited the people.

Although he was a merchant, he had a chivalrous spirit and had long admired such heroes.

Upon seeing Zang Ba arrive in person and presenting Liu Bei with a handwritten letter, Mi Zhu unfolded it and saw that Liu Bei was inviting him to join in the righteous cause, which immediately stirred his heart.

He immediately tidied his clothes, prepared carriages and horses, and, accompanied by several trusted followers, headed north with Zang Ba. They arrived in Fenggao in just a few days.

When Mi Zhu arrived in Fenggao, Liu Bei, along with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, personally went out to greet him in front of the mansion.

Mi Zhu was overjoyed, never expecting Liu Bei to treat him with such courtesy. As a renowned scholar, he personally came out of his residence to welcome him.

Again, we see Liu Bei in red robes and blue sash, exuding heroic spirit and possessing a magnanimous demeanor; he truly has the qualities of a hero.

He immediately strode forward, lifted the hem of his brocade robe, knelt on one knee, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Donghai Mizhu pays respects to Lord Liu!"

"I have long heard of your valor in Hebei, how you, as a commoner, rallied a righteous army and within a month defeated a million Yellow Turban rebels, captured Zhang Liang and beheaded Zhang Bao, your achievements surpassing all others in the army;"

"He used all his military merits to atone for his teacher's sins, and his loyalty and righteousness were praised throughout the land. He can be compared to Sun Tzu and Yan Hui of ancient times!"

"When Zhu heard of this in the Eastern Sea, he had long admired the Prefect. Now that he has met him, he has no regrets in this life!"

Liu Bei laughed heartily, "As expected of a former member of Shu Han, we share the same ideals!"

He stepped forward, helped Mi Zhu up with both hands, and said gently, "Zi Zhong, there's no need for such formalities. I've often heard of Mi Zi Zhong's chivalrous reputation since I was in Mount Tai. Meeting you today, I can see that you are indeed extraordinary. I invited you to Mount Tai because I have an important matter to entrust to you."

Mi Zhu, without asking what it was about, replied resolutely, "Since you have invited me, Lord, how could I not be willing to die for you? I would spare no effort, even if it meant giving up my entire fortune."

Liu Bei led Mi Zhu into the mansion and said with a smile, "This time, there's no need for Zizhong to give his all. On the contrary, I have a business deal that can bring Mi's family a great deal of wealth."

Liu Bei then recounted the confiscation of valuable artifacts from more than ten powerful families.

The powerful clans of Mount Tai had been entrenched for decades, and the treasures and artifacts they had plundered over the years were truly piled up like mountains!

Gold and silver utensils, bronze and jade artifacts, pearls and tortoiseshell, rhinoceros horn and ivory, Sichuan brocade and Shandong brocade—you name it, they have it.

In addition, there are manors, fields, workshops, shops, and so on.

Liu Bei has entrusted Zhen Shi with the disposal of a number of estates, shops, and precious artifacts.

However, relying solely on the Zhen family to swallow up the wealth accumulated by the powerful clans of Taishan County over several decades was like a snake trying to swallow an elephant—extremely difficult.

The Mi family is the richest family in Xuzhou, and their trade routes extend to the four provinces of Qing, Xu, Yan and Yu. With their assistance, this matter will surely proceed more smoothly.

After hearing what Liu Bei said, Mi Zhu burst into laughter and said, "I thought it was some difficult matter, but it turns out to be a joyous occasion. I have also heard about your righteous deeds in Hebei, Lord Liu."

"When the surrendered soldiers were starving, the Zhen family gave their all to help them. They not only won the hearts of more than 100,000 people in Hebei, but also helped the garrison soldiers collect grain, repaying all their debts and profits. In addition, they made a great profit, and the rice harvest was plentiful."

"Zhu Yuan followed the example of the Zhen family and gave his entire family's wealth to help them."

After speaking, Mi Zhu looked at Liu Bei with bright eyes.

Liu Bei naturally understood the implication of his willingness to follow the example of Zhen Shi: he would also offer his sister to him and then give his entire fortune to help him.

But Liu Bei could only give a vague answer, because he had recently added a new concubine to his inner quarters.

In July, during the autumn harvest, the counties of Taishan were harvesting millet, and amidst the joyous atmosphere, Liu Bei's residence also welcomed a happy event.

After a period of planning and preparation, he finally married Cai Yong's daughter, Cai Wan.

He is currently newly married, and his father-in-law, Cai Yong, is still angry. If he were to marry another woman at this time, it would hurt Cai Wan's feelings.

Even more likely, Cai Yong would be enraged and come after him to fight to the death!

How can someone marry a new wife for only a month or two and then marry another?

Although Liu Bei was fond of women, he was not a person like Cao Mengde who had no bottom line.

More importantly, judging from her age, Mi Zhu's younger sister is probably not yet of marriageable age.

Although there is a historical precedent of Li Erfeng marrying Empress Zhangsun when she was 100 years old, Liu Bei still felt that it was too hasty.

Let's wait until Lady Mi is a few years older. We can discuss the marriage after Lady Mi has come of age.

Seeing this, Mi Zhu realized that he had been too hasty in bringing up the matter on their first meeting. He only mentioned it tactfully before sitting up straight again and focusing his energy on the important matter at hand.

He was not a businessman who haggled over every penny, and given Mi Zhu's integrity and talent, he would not have discussed distribution methods with Liu Bei.

He then solemnly said, "Your Excellency's ambition lies in governing the world; how can you be bound by the profit of mere iron? Your Excellency's pressing need is for the opportune moment. I wish to collect all the precious artifacts, tortoiseshell, pearls, and other valuables from the treasury. Then, we can entrust them to the clan's accountants to distribute to various regions for sale and profit."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei smiled with approval.

If Mi Zhu really talked to him in court about how to distribute goods and how to sell cheap goods at high prices, then he would be disappointed.

Mi Zhu's chivalrous spirit of generosity and righteousness was also the most important reason why Zang Ba recommended him.

Only someone as wealthy as him from Xuzhou could acquire these seized treasures in one fell swoop, instead of discussing business dealings with the prefect.

So Liu Bei got up and invited Mi Zhu to go to the treasury together.

Inside the treasury, gold and jade glittered and silks filled the air with fragrance. The wealth of more than ten powerful families in Mount Tai was all here, which was truly astonishing.

Only when you witness firsthand the overwhelming feeling of having mountains of gold and silver laid out before you, and having them all yours, can you truly appreciate how rare and precious it is for a hero to be generous and righteous, and to maintain lofty ideals and integrity.

After the accountant quickly inspected the ledgers and the surrounding area, he bowed to Mi Zhu and said, "My lord, the treasures in the three warehouses are worth no less than fifty million coins!"

Upon hearing this, Mi Zhu nodded slightly, then turned to Liu Bei, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "I will repay you double, my lord, with ten million coins!"

Liu Bei laughed heartily!

Liu Ji's ten thousand coins attracted the attention of heroes of the time, and Xiao He, Lü Taigong, and others were captivated by him.

The fact that Mi Zhu possessed ten million coins demonstrates his extraordinary ambition.

Guan Yu paused slightly as he stroked his beard, his phoenix eyes widening as he looked at Mi Zhu, and he couldn't help but nod slightly.

He had previously been quite resentful of his elder brother's courteous treatment of a mere businessman.

But after this incident, he realized that Mi Zhu was no ordinary merchant. His generosity and magnanimity truly embodied the spirit of ancient chivalrous heroes.

Zhang Fei laughed heartily with excitement, stepped forward, patted Mi Zhu on the arm, and said, "I knew Brother Zhang never misjudges people! Anyone who receives Brother Zhang's courtesy is a hero of the time. Just that one sentence is enough for me, Old Zhang, to acknowledge you!"

Liu Bei laughed heartily. The fifty million coins was a low conversion by the clerk, since the clerk was responsible to Mi Zhu and had to guarantee profits.

But 100 million coins is clearly not the right price. The Mi family may have lost more than 20 million coins.

But to demonstrate his integrity and spirit with twenty million coins was clearly nothing to Mi Zhu!

So Liu Bei stepped forward, took Mi Zhu's hand, and sighed, "In the past, Tao Zhu Gong amassed a thousand gold pieces three times and distributed them three times. People at the time called him a wealthy man who loved to do good deeds."

"Now Zizhong is generous and righteous, regarding ten thousand gold pieces as dirt. This is not only a display of chivalry, but also the demeanor of an ancient gentleman."

"With Zizhong's assistance while I am stationed at Mount Tai, I am like a fish in water. Therefore, I wish to appoint Zizhong as the Jin Cao Yuan of Mount Tai Commandery, in charge of the commandery's finances, salt and iron, and market affairs. I wonder if Zizhong would be willing to accept this position?"

Upon hearing this, Mi Zhu immediately took a step back, knelt on one knee, and solemnly bowed, saying, "The Prefect does not look down on me because I am a merchant, but instead entrusts me with a matter of utmost importance. I could not repay even a fraction of this kindness and virtue, even if I gave my life!"

Liu Bei stepped forward, personally helped Mi Zhu up, and held his hand, smiling with excitement.

Now, with the help of Mi Zhu, almost all the former officials of Shu Han have returned to their posts!

Moreover, he is now a prefect with a salary of two thousand piculs of grain. As long as he does not suffer a major blow that causes his subordinates to scatter, he will surely be able to make up for many regrets in history!

After Mi Zhu had arranged the affairs of his clan and dealt with all the precious artifacts, he took up his post as the Jin Cao Yuan in October, when the sweet osmanthus blossoms were in full bloom.

At this time, the autumn harvest in Taishan Prefecture had passed. Under the encouragement of prefectural and county officials, winter wheat had already been planted in various places.

The prefectural government is also busy calculating taxes and preparing for the next accounting.

Once all the county accounts were submitted to the prefectural government and the summary was completed, Ju Shou walked into the main hall with a thick book in his hands. After days of intense calculations, a rare smile appeared on his face.

"Your Excellency, the accounts of all counties have been compiled. This year, the twelve counties of Mount Tai produced nearly eight million bushels of grain, almost double that of last year."

"All three hundred granaries are full, and the land tax has yielded 530,000 bushels. The total amount of various taxes, including household tax, poll tax, tax on taxes, and tax on taxes, is nearly 60 million. Adding the 100 million coins from Mi Zizhong, the government's treasury has more than 160 million coins and more than 600,000 bushels of grain."

"Regarding household registration, the twelve counties have a total of over 56,000 registered households and a population of over 270,000. More than 1,200 hectares of new wasteland have been reclaimed, and the official land area has increased to 5,800 hectares. 130,000 mulberry seedlings planted in the mulberry fields have survived, and silkworm rearing and silk reeling can begin next year."

"The water conservancy project is also progressing smoothly—the Qingbei stone weir is 80% complete, the Guitang, Yuanbei, and Dongmen weirs have been filled with water, more than 20 weirs and ponds in various counties have been completed, and more than 100 li of township canals have been dredged. When the main canal is completed next spring, the irrigation benefits will cover Fenggao, Boxian, and Liangfu counties."

He closed the accounting book, looked at Liu Bei, and solemnly said, "My lord, all the details required for the report have been calculated. The next step is to select an eloquent and persuasive person to serve as the accounting clerk, and send this document to Luoyang to be presented to the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Works."

Liu Bei nodded slightly, his expression becoming solemn.

This year's imperial examinations are different from the past. Since Zhao Zhong has failed to extort bribes, he will surely slander and frame Zhao Zhong in the court.

Whether this report can fully describe the state of governance in Mount Tai in the imperial court is directly related to whether he can continue to hold the position of a high-ranking official.

Zhao Lei, the former clerk in charge of accounting, was indeed a capable official in organizing documents and compiling accounts.

However, he was honest and simple, and was not good at claiming credit or responding to criticism.

In this world, it's better to speak well than to do well. If there are no eloquent people in the court to present their achievements, even if one has ten great political achievements, they can only be reported to the emperor in three parts.

After a moment's thought, Liu Bei turned to look at his chief clerk, Jian Yong.

Jian Yong was one of the earliest followers of him. He was quick-witted, eloquent, and skilled in rhetoric. His talent was evident when he was sent to various prefectures in Hebei to borrow grain.

What's even more remarkable is that he was naturally unrestrained and unconventional, and even when facing high-ranking officials and nobles, he remained calm and composed, showing no sign of servility.

They are best suited for this important task.

So Liu Bei said, "Xianhe, today's report is a testament to Guan Ping's achievements in governing Mount Tai in just one year, and the hard work of Guan Ping and his subordinates over the years. Back in Ji Province, you tirelessly lobbied the powerful clans for me, resolving disputes with just a few words, and you fulfilled your mission without dishonor."

"Today, I request that Xianhe also assume the position of Accountant, carrying this accounting book, and go to the capital on my behalf to present the merits of Mount Tai to the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Works. I wonder if Xianhe is willing to undertake this important task?"

Jian Yong, by nature unrestrained, showed no restraint even in front of Liu Bei. He immediately cupped his hands and laughed, "Entrust this matter to me. I will certainly live up to your expectations this time in the capital. This year's examination at Mount Tai will be the best in the land. Your name, Lord Jian, will surely become a model for the world!"

"The best in the world?" Liu Bei was filled with pride upon hearing this.

Jian Yong's words reminded him of Du Ji, a famous prefect of the Cao Wei dynasty in history.

He served as the governor of Hedong for sixteen years, and his political achievements were consistently the best in the country!

How could Liu Bei belittle himself? With so many heroes and outstanding talents assisting him, he was the best governor in the land, and no one else could compare to him. He simply couldn't believe that the current emperor was so muddle-headed that he could be imprisoned and punished because of a few words from an eunuch. This was a high-ranking official of the imperial family whose martial prowess surpassed that of the three armies, whose civil administration was the best in the land, and who had even paid taxes in the hundreds of millions.

When Liu Bei was feeling triumphant at Mount Tai, he had no idea what kind of upheaval his strategic plan would unleash upon the Han Dynasty!

What is even less known is that later generations, in recording history, all said that the collapse of the Han dynasty actually began from this point.

After receiving the order, Jian Yong quickly set off in a light carriage, escorted by more than ten county officials, heading west. The carriage was loaded with detailed records of household registration, land, taxes, criminal cases, corvée labor, and granaries, with each volume meticulously recorded.

He arrived in Luoyang at the end of the year. This was the time when officials from all directions gathered.

The convoys of officials from Henan, Henan, Henei, Hedong, Hongnong, and various prefectures and kingdoms of Yuzhou, Yanzhou, Xuzhou, and Qingzhou traveled in droves, their carriages stretching endlessly.

The atmosphere at the end of the year in Luoyang was also quite different from that in Mount Tai.

After the fire at Nangong Palace, the emperor moved to Yuntai Palace. However, the palace repair work continued day and night, with tens of thousands of laborers busy among the ruins.

Tongtuo Street, located between the North and South Palaces, remained bustling, with mansions and restaurants lining the streets. Officials from various regions and envoys from different prefectures and kingdoms moved about, exchanging news from their respective prefectures amidst clinking glasses.

In the streets and alleys, merchants from the Western Regions led camels and hawked glass, while Hun merchants set up fur stalls. Storytellers sang and played music in the marketplace, attracting passersby to stop and watch.

Jian Yong handed the account book to the Situ Mansion and, after answering the Situ Mansion's many questions, found a secluded place to stay.

Then, accompanied only by two attendants, he headed into the city, intending to deliver the generous gifts prepared by Liu Bei to visit two old friends on his behalf.

The first place he visited was the Imperial Clan Court.

Liu He, the Imperial Clan Minister, was formerly the Governor of Youzhou and is now one of the Nine Ministers, in charge of the affairs of the imperial clan.

Last year, he sent an envoy to Zhuojun to inquire of the three elders, copy the family genealogy, and compare the clan records, thus clearly establishing Liu Bei's status as a member of the imperial clan.

It can be said that he was both kind to Liu Bei and the one Liu Bei recommended.

But when Jian Yong presented Liu Bei's handwritten letter, the servants in the mansion were shocked and immediately threw it out. Then they closed the gate tightly, as if avoiding a snake or scorpion!

Before they could even step into the mansion, they were turned away at the closed door.

Jian Yong's expression immediately hardened. He knew that given the relationship between Liu He and Liu Bei, if Liu Bei's reputation soared and his political achievements were outstanding, he, as the recommender, would also benefit.

But Liu He is now avoiding it at all costs, which must mean that something major has happened.

Jian Yong then immediately sent someone to Minister Lu's residence.

Fortunately, the Lu family did not refuse to see him. After the old servant asked for permission, he kept Jian Yong and asked him to wait in the hall.

Jian Yong waited in the hall until late at night, with the candlelight flickering, before Lu Zhi returned from the Ministry of Personnel.

This resolute and principled scholar, without any pleasantries or waiting for Jian Yong to present the generous gift, asked wearily, "Xianhe, are all the information recorded in Xuande's report—the population, the land, the taxes, especially the taxes—accurate? Are there any exaggerations or false reports?"

Jian Yong's heart skipped a beat. Although he didn't understand why Minister Lu would ask such a question, he immediately bowed respectfully and replied, "Why do you say that, Lord Lu? The Prefect's accounts are meticulously compiled, calculated county by county and inventoryed granary by granary. There is absolutely no falsification. Taishan Prefecture is well-governed, with clean governance and harmonious people. Hundreds of thousands of people have personally experienced this and witnessed it firsthand. How could it be fabricated!"

With his keen mind, he had already noticed the unusual events of the day and quickly asked, "Lord Lu, has something happened? Today, when I went to visit the Imperial Clan Court, they refused to see me."

"Could it be that Zhao Zhong's questioning has made the Imperial Clan Secretary fear the eunuchs' arrogance and is causing him trouble?"

Lu Zhi gazed at Jian Yong, seeing his righteous spirit and lack of any sign of weakness, and regained his composure. He stood up, hands behind his back, and said, "If it were merely Zhao Zhong who started this trouble, it wouldn't be a big deal. With me and the Imperial Clan Court protecting him, and with Xuande enjoying the respect of the scholars of the world, he, a mere eunuch, couldn't cause any trouble. But the problem now lies precisely with the scholars of the world."

Emerging above scholars?

Jian Yong was greatly surprised, for Liu Bei had always enjoyed the respect of scholars throughout the land, which was why he was famous throughout the country.

If this is truly a matter of public opinion among scholars, then it will really shake the foundation of our lord!

He quickly asked, "What do you mean by that, Lord Lu?"

Lu Zhi said, "Both the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Works have received the accounting report you submitted. The Ministry of Works still needs to review the accounting reports of the whole country, which is why it is a few days late in sending you to reply. The Emperor has already reviewed this accounting report at the Ministry of Personnel."

"Do you know that in the past few days, the emperor's palace, the entire court, and even the students of the Imperial Academy in Luoyang have been buzzing with discussion!"

"Some say that Xuande, relying on his skills in managing merchants, wields his power and deceit, and acts on his own whims. When he investigates land ownership, powerful families complain, and when he collects taxes by the acreage, the common people are filled with suspicion and fear. All his actions violate old rules and abandon precedents. If all the prefectures and kingdoms in the country follow his methods, within three years, there will surely be unrest in all directions and bandits will rise up everywhere."

"With heroes alienated from within and the common people filled with resentment from without, even if they wished not to perish, it was impossible. Therefore it is said: the devastation was not limited to just one prefecture; the calamity of collapse truly began here. The one who will destroy the Han Dynasty will surely be Liu Bei."

Such an evaluation is tantamount to trying to kill Liu Bei, and it's a fight to the death!

Jian Yong's expression changed, and he was about to speak up to defend his lord.

Lu Zhi raised his hand to stop him from speaking, and said, "However, there are also advisors who strongly oppose the opinions of the majority, saying that in the past, powerful and wealthy people hid their land, and taxes were unevenly distributed. The rich owned vast tracts of land but did not pay additional taxes, while the poor had no place to stand but were subject to double the corvée labor. Therefore, when the Yellow Turbans rallied, the whole country responded."

"Liu Bei of Mount Tai is not afraid of powerful forces. He has reformed the land system to equalize taxes, so that farmers have their land and taxpayers receive fair treatment. If this policy is implemented in one prefecture, that prefecture will prosper; if it is implemented throughout the country, the country will be at peace. Although his policies are new, his heart is benevolent."

"In this chaotic world, there is no one more capable than this man to save the nation from collapse and rescue the people from dire straits. Therefore, it is said: 'From obscurity comes enlightenment, and the restoration of the Han dynasty is within reach.' It is Liu Xuande who will enable the Han dynasty to continue the legacy of the Yan Liu family."

The one who can enable the Han Dynasty to continue the reign of Emperor Liu must be Liu Xuande.

This doesn't seem like a good review either!

Jian Yong could hardly imagine how apprehensive the emperor would be upon hearing these words.

If Liu Bei were not of the same surname, then it would be fine if he were one of the Three Dukes and Prime Ministers.

But our lord is also a member of the Han nobility, a descendant of the same Liu family. If he could continue the Han dynasty's rule, how could the emperor not harbor suspicion?

Lu Zhi sighed and said, "You should rest early and come to the palace with me tomorrow. The Emperor will hold a court meeting tomorrow to discuss Xuande's policies. You will probably have to face the Emperor directly and answer the questions of the ministers."

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